Using praise and redirection effectively is a powerful way to build a classroom culture where children feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. Below are some best practices, resources, and PD options to support your goals.
Best Practices for Praise and Redirection
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Move from General to Specific Praise: Replace generic phrases like "Good job!" with specifics: "I see you’re cleaning up your blocks so the next person has space to play." This highlights the why behind the behavior.
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Proactive Redirection: Redirection is most effective when it is calm and focuses on what the child should do. Instead of "Stop running," try "Please use your walking feet."
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Consistency and Clarity: Children feel most secure when they know exactly what to expect. Clear expectations reduce the need for constant correction.
If you are looking to provide your entire team with a consistent foundation, we offer 45-minute interactive sessions designed to provide immediate strategies for the classroom. Some topics you may be interested in include:
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Being Proactive to Prevent Challenging Behavior: Learn to spot triggers and set the stage for success before a conflict starts.
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Redirecting and Reframing Misbehavior: Transform "discipline" into a teaching moment by shifting how we view student actions.
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Creating Clear Behavioral Expectations: Master the art of setting boundaries that children actually understand and follow.
We hope these resources are helpful!
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Liz Savage
Sr Marketing Manager, Community and Events
Teachstone
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